Education
Latest news and information on education, preschools, schools, colleges, and universities.
Vienna families can ask to restore kindergarten hours cut after job loss or parental leave
Since September 2026, Vienna has allowed children in its municipal kindergartens to retain their existing hours if a parent is on parental leave or becomes temporarily unemployed. MA 10 also told The Local that families whose part-time attendance was reduced in either case can request that their original timetable be reinstated.
'Generational rage': How young Europeans are fighting to be heard
From blockaded schools in Rome to tent camps in Madrid and street protests in France, young people across Europe are turning their anger on a political class they say is not listening.
How Austria’s new tool can help parents choose a school
A new public platform now publishes detailed information about Austrian schools, giving parents more data to compare schools before deciding where to enrol their children.
Why Austria is still struggling to keep new teachers in the classroom
Austria has made progress filling teaching vacancies, and its teachers are unusually satisfied with their pay. But new OECD figures point to a very different problem at the start of the profession.
Could university fees for some non-EU students in Austria rise to €2,500?
One of Austria's governing parties wants to more than triple the standard fee many third-country students pay. Could this actually happen soon?
EU-based British students to pay international fees in UK from 2028
The end of a Brexit 'grace period' on university fees in 2028 means that British passport holders living in the EU will no longer qualify for home fees and could pay three times as much.
When and where Austria’s university budget protests are planned this week
Austria’s university budget dispute is moving from press conferences to the streets this week, with protests planned in Vienna and other university cities over feared cuts to public university funding.
How many students have registered for Austria's mandatory summer school?
Austria is making summer schooling mandatory for children who can't speak fluent German as part of efforts to boost integration. Here's how many students have registered for the programme so far this year.
'Parents should inform themselves': Austria schools expert urges parents to research education routes
What do foreign parents need to consider when it comes to Austria's education system? From different educational paths to learning German, here's what an Austrian teaching expert had to say.
Does Austria have too many universities?
A new expert report slams the high number of universities in Austria, recommending that several merge together. But universities are rallying against it.
'Make it more inspiring': The changes foreign parents want in Austrian schools
Many of The Local readers say they struggle with aspects of Austria's education system. In the second part of our series, we look at the changes international parents want to see at schools.
Should Austria extend primary school education from four to six years?
Austria is one of the few EU countries where primary school lasts just four years. A proposal to extend it is back on the political agenda, with supporters arguing it could ease pressure on students and delay splitting them into different tracks.
Europe's Erasmus founder Sofia Corradi dies, aged 91
Sofia Corradi, the creator of the EU's Erasmus program which has sent millions of young people abroad throughout Europe to study, died in Rome aged 91, Italian media reported Saturday.
EXPLAINED: What's going to happen to Austria's Bildungskarenz
Austria’s government has announced the end of Bildungskarenz, leaving workers without a clear alternative for state-supported educational leave. Here's what we know so far.
Austria’s new leaders take office after months of political negotiations
Austria’s new government officially took office this Monday, with key policy changes expected in housing, pensions, and immigration.
What changes people in Austria can expect under the new government
Austria’s ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS coalition has unveiled its government programme, with key changes in housing, pensions, and immigration.
Austria settles on new government as three parties agree on coalition
Austria’s coalition agreement is set between ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS leaders, but political tensions and party votes will decide if the government takes office next week.
What does Lower Austria plan to do against foreigners 'unwilling to integrate'?
Lower Austria is tightening integration policies with fines, cultural requirements in kindergartens, and a burqa ban, sparking criticism from opposition parties
Vienna implements school-wide mobile phone ban to improve focus in class
A new regulation in Vienna will ban mobile phone use in primary and secondary schools. Education officials say the rule will ensure consistency across all institutions.
How soon will Austria scrap end its educational leave program?
With plans to cut Austria’s educational leave program, many are wondering how much time remains to apply. Here’s what we know so far.
Austria plans mandatory German lessons for preschool children
Coalition negotiators have reportedly agreed on compulsory German tests and lessons for preschool children before school entry. Here's what we know so far.
Taxes, labour laws and bottle deposits: What changes in Austria in 2025
As the new year rolls in, people in Austria can expect a wave of changes. From new tax brackets and environmental policies to updated school regulations, here’s a guide to what’s new in 2025.
Schulpflicht: How Austria pioneered mandatory schooling for all
Austria’s Maria Theresa was more than a monarch—her policies revolutionised access to education.